Silchar: Dholai is brimming with anticipation as it prepares for two major events this August the grand inauguration of the long-awaited Co-District Office and the 79th Independence Day celebrations. A high-level inter-departmental meeting, chaired by Dholai MLA Nihar Ranjan Das, was held on Saturday at the Dholai Police Station conference hall to finalise preparations and ensure the seamless execution of both events.

At the outset, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Cachar, Hemanga Nobis, ACS, welcomed departmental heads and stakeholders, expressing optimism over Dholai’s progress and the importance of public cooperation. Neihat Haolai, ACS and Assistant Commissioner, Cachar, presented the minutes of the previous planning session, paving the way for detailed deliberations on infrastructure, cultural programming, logistics, and public involvement.

A massive 2,000-seat venue is under rapid development at the PWD field, where the inauguration is scheduled for August 12. The PWD (Roads) Department is overseeing levelling and groundwork. A dedicated committee, led by Bhusan Pal with members Sitangshu Das, Bidhan Paul, Sanjay Kairi, and Nirmal Kanti, has been entrusted with coordinating all aspects of the preparations.

Renowned tent decorator Dilip Saikia will manage both seating and aesthetic arrangements for the inauguration. The PWD (Building) Division has been tasked with certifying the safety of all temporary structures. Cultural highlights will include performances of Jhumur Dhamail and Dimasa Bihu, curated by the District Cultural Officer, showcasing the area’s ethnic diversity.

Biplob Biswas will serve as the anchor of the event, coordinated by DDIPR, Barak Valley Zone, Cachar. The Nazir Department of the DC Office will handle logistics such as banners, cut-outs, refreshments, and water arrangements for the estimated 3,000 attendees. Security arrangements are being led by the Officer-in-Charge of Dholai Police Station. LED lighting and power supply will be managed jointly by the decorator and APDCL’s Dholai Sub-Division.

In a gesture of personal involvement, the local MLA has pledged 2,000 drinking water packets for the public. A traditional welcome with a local band and women in ethnic attire will greet the dignitaries. The ASRLM Block Programme Managers will mobilize 150 SHG women from the Dholai-Narsingpur, Borjalenga, and Palonghat blocks to participate in traditional dress. BDOs of all three blocks will spearhead publicity and public mobilisation.

Meanwhile, arrangements are also underway for the Independence Day celebration on August 15. The ceremonial flag hoisting will take place at 9:00 AM at the same PWD field. All government and private institutions across Dholai Co-District have been directed to carry out cleanliness drives and light up their premises from August 12–15. Flag hoisting is scheduled at 7:30 AM in offices and 7:00 AM in private establishments.

Auxilium School and BNMP School will collaborate with the police to organise a ceremonial parade. Departments including APDCL and PHE are working to ensure uninterrupted electricity and water supply. The Forest Department is arranging bamboo and sand for barricades, while the SDMO of BPHC Dholai will station a medical team with ambulances and first-aid services.

The district administration also plans to honour local achievers in sports, academics, and social service during the Independence Day event. Departments have been asked to submit nominations to the ADC’s office. The Excise Department will enforce dry day protocols and crack down on illicit liquor sales.

A final joint inspection of the venue will be conducted on the evening of August 14. Officers and staff have been urged to encourage citizens to hoist the National Flag at their homes and workplaces to foster a spirit of unity and patriotism.

As the twin events approach, Dholai stands united in its preparations — a symbol of administrative efficiency, cultural pride, and collective spirit.